NATIONAL CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY
 
May 2009 - Warm Greetings from the NCA
 
 
A few key update announcements are brought to your attention regarding the National Certification Program (NCP) that impacts all home inspectors in Canada.
 
(1) A reduction in the application fees for this year.
(2) The phasing in of the National Certification "sunset" clause.
 
As we all know the current economic environment has made an impact on our business and personal finances. In response the NCA recently passed a motion that reduced application fees for inspectors considering application and/or having recently applied to the National Certification Program. The revised fees are noted as $525 for associations with equivalency agreement and $682.50 for all other applicants, this includes the 5%GST. http://www.nca-anc.com/images/stories/pdfs/apr%200407-11-2009-p.pdf
 
The NCP is also extremely proud of the hard work and recognition received under the licensing of home inspectors introduced in British Columbia. The NCA feels that this is equally an opportunity for all home inspectors in Canada that is worth considering at this time. Particularly in light of the benefits and value placed upon recognition of the NCP National Certificate Holders conducting business as a licensed home inspector in British Columbia under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA).
 
On another note the certification requirements to become a National Certificate Holder will be changing. When the National Certification Program (NCP) was formed the issues related to developing a national "certification" system were initially designed to permit background review of home inspectors currently practicing in the marketplace. What the longer term plan specifies is a "sunset" clause that would be implemented by December 31, 2009. That date will be rapidly approaching. The implication on home inspectors becoming National Certificate Holders means a further intensifying of "certification" level in the NCP.
 
Under the current guidelines of the "background" review system used by the National Certification Council there are points awarded for accredited home inspector training (3 points) and (2 points) for unaccredited training. The following is proposed - after December 31, 2009 that system will change to reflect a reduction to 1 point for unaccredited training. This is anticipated to have a dramatic impact on future applicants that are required to meet the minimum number of education and training points to advance to the TIPR - Test Inspection stage and ultimately National Certificate Holder level.
 
After December 31, 2010 it is anticipated that the unaccredited training points will further be reduced to no credit points. Coincidentally this was originally planned for December 31, 2009. This phased in approach optimistically will be viewed as an advantage for those inspectors that are sitting on the fence debating about becoming National Certificate Holders. Respectfully the final decision is yours!
 
Additionally, a meeting will be taking place in the next few months to ratify an articulation agreement between the provincial associations holding equivalency agreements and the NCA with respect to provincial recognition of TIPRS. (Test Inspections with Peer Reviews)
For those inspectors holding the National Certificate Holder status, stay tuned for a number of new announcements and initiatives that will help streamline renewals and offer other benefits for your continued support of the National Certification Program.
 
 
Regards, Claude Lawrenson - NCA Chair
 
 
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY Head Office/Siege Social: P.O./C.P. Box 13715, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 1X6 Email: sharry@nca-anc.com · Tel: (613) 839-5344 or 1-888-748-2244 · Fax/Telecopieur: (613) 839-2554 · Web: www.nca-anc.com